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CO2 Laser skin resurfacing

Just under the surface is a whole new you

At Riverbanks Clinic, we offer state-of-the-art laser skin resurfacing using both CO2 and Erbium:YAG laser technologies. These treatments can be performed in fractional ablative or fully ablative modes, depending on your skin concerns and desired recovery time. Whether you are looking to improve fine lines, wrinkles, acne scars, sun damage, or uneven skin texture, our expert clinicians will tailor the best treatment approach for you.

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Tightens and firms the skin

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Reduces fine lines and wrinkles

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Minimises acne scars, surgical scars, and pigmentation

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Reduces wrinkles and blemishes

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Stimulates growth of new, long lasting, youthful skin

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Customisable treatments for different skin concerns and recovery times

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overview

What is Laser Skin Resurfacing?

Laser skin resurfacing is a cutting-edge treatment designed to rejuvenate the skin by removing damaged outer layers and stimulating new collagen growth. Using CO2 and Erbium:YAG lasers, we offer fractional ablative and fully ablative treatments to address varying levels of skin damage and patient preferences for downtime.

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Procedure Overview
access_time Duration 15-45 mins
local_pharmacy Anaesthesia Tumescent
king_bed Downtime 3-14 days
check_circle Final Result 6-12 months
person Suitable for Face, neck, décolletage

How does it work?

Laser skin resurfacing works by delivering concentrated beams of light to the skin’s surface, removing damaged skin cells and stimulating collagen renewal. Depending on the intensity of the treatment:

Fractional Ablative Laser: Creates microscopic columns of treated skin while leaving surrounding tissue intact, leading to faster healing.

Fully Ablative Laser: Removes the entire top layer of skin for deeper rejuvenation but requires a longer recovery.

Most treatments take 30–60 minutes, with results appearing as the skin heals over the following weeks.

CO2 Laser skin resurfacing
Patient 1 Patient 2 Patient 3
Before & After

CO2 Laser skin resurfacing

Results after 3 months

Before After
Before & After

CO2 Laser skin resurfacing

Results after 3 months

Before After
Before & After

CO2 Laser skin resurfacing

Results after 3 months with laser & Profhilo

Before After
Reviews

Patient Testimonials

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Whilst a fairly invasive treatment, it is definitely worth it! After a few days of flakiness, my skin was tighter and more radiant and the fine lines had visibly faded. This improvement has continued to develop over the last few months and I am very pleased with the result!

- Sarah, Studham

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I had the laser around my eyes and wish I had had it done sooner. The skin around my eyes has lost almost all its crepiness and fine lines. The overall effect is to make my face appear much fresher and I feel much more confident in how I look. It's been amazing.

- Jane, Harpenden

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I’m thrilled with the result of my CO2 laser. It’s given me so much confidence and made me look the way I feel. I’d got to the point where I avoided mirrors but now I feel good about my reflection. The really lovely thing is that I look very natural and refreshed. No one would guess I have had anything done.

- Maisie, St Albans

Which Laser Treatment is Right for You?

CO2 Laser Skin Resurfacing

  • Best for deep wrinkles, severe sun damage, and acne scars
  • Suitable for more intensive treatments with longer-lasting results
  • Available in fractional ablative (moderate downtime) and fully ablative (longer recovery, dramatic results) modes

Erbium:YAG Laser Skin Resurfacing

  • Best for milder wrinkles, pigmentation, and fine lines
  • Provides gentler resurfacing with a shorter recovery time
  • Suitable for fractional ablative (minimal downtime) or fully ablative (deeper results with moderate downtime) modes
results

How will I feel?

You may feel discomfort after the procedure but it’s nothing a cold compress and over-the-counter pain medications won’t fix.

You’ll start noticing real changes to your skin around 30 days after your first treatment — this is when the new skin takes shape and develops layers. For the next 6-12 months, your skin tone and texture will continue to improve. Once fully healed, the results are dramatic, and you’ll be brimming with renewed self-confidence.

CO2 Laser skin resurfacing
Further Reading

1. Our protocol for CO2 laser resurfacing

2. Radiofrequency Microneedling is an alternative to CO2 with less downtime and more treatments

FAQS

Treatment Questions

  • What are the side effects and risks? add_circle
    While laser skin resurfacing is highly effective, it does come with some temporary side effects, including:

    Redness and swelling (typically lasting 3–10 days, depending on treatment depth)
    Peeling and flaking of the skin as new collagen forms
    Sensitivity to sunlight (high SPF is essential post-treatment)
    Rare risks include pigmentation changes, infection, or prolonged redness (> 12 months)
  • Is the treatment painful? add_circle
    We use topical anaesthesia to ensure comfort during treatment. You may experience mild heat and tingling, but discomfort is minimal. Fully ablative treatments may require stronger numbing methods.
  • When will I see results? add_circle
    You will start to see results after 1 month when the new skin layers develop. This will continue to improve for over 12 months. For some deeper acne scarring patients, 3 treatments may be required in a year.
  • How long do the results last? add_circle
    Years. It depends on what your goals are. Some patients repeat the treatment annually, others wait 3-4 years. The patients who have had this treatment have become some of our most loyal patients.
  • What is the recovery time? add_circle
    Fractional laser treatments typically heal within 5–7 days, while fully ablative treatments can take up to 14 days. Redness may persist for a few weeks as the skin continues to heal.

What now?

Your expert consultation

We take the time to listen, assess and advise properly. All treatments at Riverbanks Clinic begin with a detailed in-clinic medical consultation with one of our practitioners. This ensures an accurate diagnosis, a clear treatment plan and that any treatment offered is appropriate, safe and in your best interests.

To arrange your consultation, please contact the clinic directly on 01582 762877.

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TESTIMONIALS

OUR PATIENTS LOVE OUR
RELAXING CLINIC

Patients love coming to Riverbanks for two key reasons: our expert team and the exceptional results we deliver. With highly skilled practitioners who prioritise patient care and cutting-edge treatments tailored to individual needs, every visit is a reassuring and results-driven experience in a welcoming, professional environment.